Students test state knowledge

PORT HENRY - The Yorkers History Club of Moriah Central School traveled to Kingston recently to compete at the annual State History Interest Project (SHIP) convention.

The 17 students in grades 7-12 competed in such events as debate, quiz bowls, speech and informational displays. There were 13 New York junior and senior high schools represented at the convention, with an attendance of 300 students.

The Moriah debate team took second place, missing first place by three points. The team consisted of Blaise Bryant, Tom Wheelock, Scott Cutting and Andrew King. Their topic was "Is the Government Bailout Consistent with American Ideals?"

Colby Harvish, a seventh grader, was the only Moriah contestant in the junior division of the speech competition. His speech was on the topic of "The Government's Role in Economic Affairs."

The two senior quiz bowl teams made it to the semi-finals.

John Zerbe won an Award of Excellence for his display on mining in Moriah which included a power point.

Special Awards were given to Sara Rancour and Amanda French for their display on the Lee House in Port Henry and to Michaila Callis for her display on the Harlem Renaissance.

Merit awards were given to Roger Cline for his exhibit on the Saratoga Race Track, to Hayley Waldron for her displays on historic trivia and the Champlain Bridge, and to Quinn Simpson for his display on the presidents born in New York.

The Community Heritage Award was presented to Moriah's eighth grade class for the booklet it produced of their ancestor stories.

The Yorkers were also able to tour the Vanderbilt Mansion and the Roosevelt Library and Museum.

They were accompanied by their current advisers, Linda Demarais and Kim Harvish, and their former adviser, retired teacher Phil Newton.